InfoSAWIT, MEDAN – Palm oil plantation in Indonesia has a long history. It started since the early of the 20th century. The first planting was in 1911 commercially by Oliepalmen Cultur in Pulau Raja, Asahan. The England de Sumatra - RCMA continued the busiess and others did too. They contributed to palm oil industrial development in East Sumatera.
According to the information from Pusat Penelitian Kelapa Sawit (PPKS), Firma Seumadan Cultuur Mij started the planting in Kebun Seumadan, while other firms did around Sungai Liput Cultuur Mij, where it was part of Socfindo plantations that also developed the plantations around Sungai Liput, Aceh Province.
Besdies, Palmbomen Cultuur Mij did plant palm oil plantation in Mapoli and Tanjung Genteng, whiole the firm - Medang Ara Cultuur Mij developed it Medang Ara. The Huilleries de Deli did plant palm oil plantations in Deli Muda.
Palm oil plantation got expansion until 1920s. Many palm oil plantations developed in Aceh and Sumatera. Not only palm oil, the other commodities, such as, coffee, rubber, coconut, and tobacco developed in the same time. These showed plantation industries developed fast in Indonesia, and adapted to the market needs globally.
Palm oil plantation would be the main pillar of the economy in Indonesia, particularly in Sumatera. Many companies developed the technology and agricultural practices to escalate the production and be efficient. One significant contribution in the progress is the roles of PPKS that keeps conducting research and development to support palm oil industries. (T2)
